Upgrading the Sony 55mm 1.8 Zeiss | 50mm 1.4 GM

Summary

In this video, the creator compares the Sony 50mm f/1.4 G Master and the 55mm f/1.8 Zeiss lens, testing them side by side for sharpness, color accuracy, focus speed, and build quality. After shooting with both lenses at a variety of distances, he finds the 50mm f/1.4 to be sharper and more enjoyable to use despite the higher price tag. Although he initially considered upgrading to the 50mm f/1.2 G Master, he decides the 50mm f/1.4 meets his needs, offering a better value with its quality and features. He plans to purchase it, though not immediately, as he's focused on other priorities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 50mm f/1.4 G Master is noticeably sharper than the 55mm f/1.8 Zeiss in real-world use, especially in photos taken at a distance.
• 😀 The 50mm f/1.4 G Master provides a wider field of view compared to the 55mm f/1.8, which can be beneficial depending on personal preference.
• 😀 Both lenses offer fast and quiet autofocus, with no significant differences in their performance.
• 😀 The 50mm f/1.4 G Master has superior build quality, featuring weather-sealing and additional controls like the AF/MF switch and customizable buttons, ideal for video work.
• 😀 Despite the 55mm f/1.8 Zeiss being a more compact and lightweight option, the 50mm f/1.4 G Master’s extra features make it a more robust choice for professional use.
• 😀 Color accuracy is very similar between both lenses, but the 55mm may have a slightly warmer tone in some instances.
• 😀 The 50mm f/1.4 G Master is preferred for its sharper images and higher contrast, making it more suitable for detailed and professional photography.
• 😀 The 55mm f/1.8 Zeiss, while still a great lens, doesn't match the 50mm f/1.4 G Master in sharpness, especially noticeable when using both side by side.
• 😀 The reviewer is considering upgrading to the 50mm f/1.4 G Master despite not feeling the need to replace the 55mm f/1.8 after years of use.
• 😀 The reviewer ultimately decides to purchase the 50mm f/1.4 G Master due to its superior performance, although financial priorities and travel plans will delay the purchase.

Q & A

What lenses are being compared in the video?

The video compares the Sony 50mm f/1.4 G Master and the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 lenses.

Why was the 50mm f/1.2 lens initially considered, and what was the final decision?

The reviewer initially considered the 50mm f/1.2 lens but decided to stick with the 50mm f/1.4 G Master after testing it. They found the f/1.4 lens sharp enough, with a better value for money.

What did the reviewer notice about the field of view when comparing the two lenses?

The reviewer observed that the 50mm lens is wider than the 55mm lens, which was unexpected, though the difference is slight.

How did the 50mm f/1.4 G Master perform in terms of sharpness compared to the 55mm f/1.8?

The 50mm f/1.4 G Master was noticeably sharper than the 55mm f/1.8, even on the camera's LCD screen, and this difference was evident in the raw photos.

Did the reviewer find a significant difference in color accuracy between the two lenses?

Both lenses had very similar color accuracy, with the 55mm f/1.8 being slightly warmer. However, the 50mm f/1.4 had a bit more contrast.

How did the autofocus performance of the two lenses compare?

Both the 50mm f/1.4 G Master and the 55mm f/1.8 lenses were fast and quiet in autofocus performance, with no significant difference in speed or noise.

What features on the 50mm f/1.4 G Master made it more appealing to the reviewer?

The 50mm f/1.4 G Master had superior build quality, with weather sealing and useful features like an AF/MF switch, which the reviewer found convenient for video work.

What was the reviewer’s opinion on the 50mm f/1.4 G Master's low-light performance?

The reviewer noted that while the 50mm f/1.4 G Master performed well in low light, the 50mm f/1.2 lens would provide slightly better performance, though not enough to justify the extra cost for the reviewer.

Why does the reviewer prefer the 50mm f/1.4 G Master over the 50mm f/1.2 G Master?

The reviewer prefers the 50mm f/1.4 G Master because of its sharper images, better build quality, lower weight, and significantly better value for money, despite the 1.2 lens having slight advantages in low-light performance.

What was the final decision regarding the lens purchase?

The reviewer decided to buy the 50mm f/1.4 G Master and upgrade from the 55mm f/1.8, though they plan to wait until after the wedding season in New Zealand to make the purchase.